Welcome to Power Picks, a monthly series on the things that help us navigate our lives, step into our personal power, or simply get us through our day-to-day. Our hope is that by sharing what makes us feel great, we can help you feel great, too.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a light traveler. Whether I’m running to daily meetings in the city or flying out on longer treks, I’m a maximalist at heart and simply can’t leave my essentials behind just to save some space. So I made it my mission to find a comfortable tote bag with enough compartments to fit all my essentials. Enter: the TUMI Contine Weekender.
Now my favorite travel piece, the Contine Weekender–made from water resistant and recycled nylon–is part of TUMI’s Voyageur collection. It’s a medium-sized bag whose square shape, leather-trimmed shoulder straps, and double-zip entry allow it to double as a spacious tote. I’m most impressed by the abundance of compartments hidden within the bag, such as the roomy but thin pocket for my laptop to slide right into without taking up too much space. The multiple zipper compartments both inside and out create space for both my electronics (goodbye, tangled wires) and my trusty chocolate bars. I also want to shout out the double-zippered bottom compartment, which is just the right size for a spare pair of shoes.
Every time I use this bag, I wonder why I didn’t buy it sooner. I’ve traveled with my fair share of tote bags, but they always end up too heavy or so full that I regret carrying them. The Contine Weekender, however, comes with a removable, adjustable crossbody strap that I can easily switch to when I need the extra support, and the five metal feet at the base of the bag reassure me that my bag isn’t going to get ruined when I place it on the ground.
This immaculate craftsmanship is seen throughout all of TUMI's Voyageur collection—each piece is a stylish yet comfortable travel-friendly companion. The brand is also committed to sustainability and innovation, which was the inspiration behind the decision to integrate recycled materials into the Voyageur collection. At Marie Claire, we're always on the lookout for more sustainable purchases, so it only makes sense to complete my collection and buy the matching crossbody. (I mean, I need somewhere to keep my passport, right?)
Shop more from the Voyageur collection below.
